When Co-Parenting Raises Red Flags: Can the Court Order a Psychological Evaluation? Artwork

Love Court Off the Record

In the podcast, Love Court Off The Record, we look at specific legal questions regarding all family law matters. From child custody to child support to divorce. We also take a humorous look at divorce. It does make people go crazy!!

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Love Court Off the Record

When Co-Parenting Raises Red Flags: Can the Court Order a Psychological Evaluation?

March 23, 2026 • Anderson Keuscher Brachmann

0:00 | 3:11

“I feel awful even asking this, but I’m genuinely concerned. My ex has been acting very erratically—sending dozens of messages a day, showing up unannounced, making paranoid accusations, and saying things that don’t make sense. The kids are starting to notice and it’s affecting them. Can I ask the court to order a psychological exam, and if the judge agrees, does that automatically mean my ex will lose custody or parenting time?"

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In this episode of Love Court, divorce attorney Jessica Anderson addresses a difficult question from a concerned parent whose ex-partner has been behaving erratically—sending excessive messages, making paranoid accusations, and showing up unexpectedly. With the children beginning to notice the behavior, the listener wonders if they can ask the court to order a psychological evaluation. Jessica explains how courts handle requests like this and whether a mental health evaluation automatically impacts custody or parenting time.